December 16, 2008. Posted by Joshua Jackson.

This Saturday at 4pm, WBGO will present a free concert and broadcast from J&R Music World, featuring the New Jazz Composers Octet. Last week, the band came to our studios to play a few songs. So here's a preview of what to expect. The NJCO plays the title song from their latest release, The Turning Gate.

December 12, 2008. Posted by Simon Rentner.

An unsung hero of jazz trumpet, Eugene Edward "Snooky" Young, was honored at this year's 2009 NEA Jazz Masters Award Ceremony in Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center. The soft-spoken, humble master (and growler) of the cup mute played 1st trumpet in swing-era big bands led by Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, and Jimmie Lunceford. Born on February 3rd, 1919 in Dayton Ohio (yes, he turns 90 next year), Young grew-up idolizing (and imitating) Louis Armstrong. As a consummate professional and distinct voice on the trumpet, he became close to many luminaries in show business. He became most recognized with Johnny Carson, with whom he played for in the Tonight Show Orchestra for 20 years. - Simon Rentner